About Us

Almon Harris, who was a prominent gentleman, purchased the land that the manor is built on from a carpenter named William Brogdin in 1852 from a local carpenter, William Brogdin. It appears that Harris built the house and that is why we have named one of our suites after him.

In 1968 John Campbell the townships yeoman purchased the home in 1868.

In 1878 a well known Port Hope physician named Dr. Lafontaine Baldwin Powers made it his home and practice. He proceeded to purchase land around the building, and eventually sold a piece of it to the trustees of the first Presbyterian Church, St Paul’s for only one dollar.

The doctor was dedicated to the board of education (hence the public school on Ward Street is named after him), as well as being a member on the board of education. He was the medical superintendent of Trinity College School also. Our largest suite is named after him.

Architecturally, the home was initially Georgian influenced, and evolved more towards the Victorian style in later years.

More recently (2001), Brent Bayley and Jennifer Wetherall (who hails from the UK), purchased the home, ran the B&B and Tea room for several years. Whilst keeping the Victorian features, this couple renovated to allow for modern comforts within the home. (Hence the Bayley suit).

Port hope was the described as the “playground of the Rich and Famous since the early 1800’s”.
It is evident in the stunning estates that are admired in this area. Today, many people from the city are attracted to this area because of its charm. Two of those people are Liam and Deborah.
Liam Whelan is originally from Dublin, Ireland and has lived in Canada since 1981. Deborah was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, (Shakespeare Country), England and first arrived in 1976.

They came to Port Hope for a “Sunday drive”; fell in love with the town, surrounding areas and of course the house. They purchased the home from Sylvia and Lyell Bachelder who have lived here and ran the B&B~Tea Room (then named “The Manor on Walton”) for the past eight years.

They have renamed this beautiful home “Summerhill” as a tribute Marie Payne. (Deborah’s Mum, who was born in Summerhill, Dublin).

We look forward to sharing our home with you and making your stay one to remember and return to.